Following the testing of therapeutic sera, the quantified evaluation of a pharmaceutical's efficacy became a key feature of medicine in the twentieth century. The case studies in this volume offer comparisons across Europe, from the diphtheria antitoxin in the late 1800s to the introduction of the Salk polio vaccine in the 1950s.

This is the first of three volumes in the "Ion Channels & Transporters in Tumor Biology" collection, which discusses the function of ion transport proteins in cellular and systemic homeostasis. The authors highlight the role of the so-called transportome, which is defined by the entirety of ion transporters and ion channels. Thereby, readers will get a better understanding of the impact dysregulated ion transport has on the whole spectrum of cancer types. Cancers display deficiencies in several, sometimes interdependent members of the transportome. Clinicians will be interested in the fact that controlled expression of ion transport proteins dramatically impacts the life span of cancer patients, as shown in recent studies. These observations offer a promising outlook for biomedical scientists, as members of the transportome could be the tumor markers of tomorrow - both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. As part of a three-volume collection, this book will fascinate members of the active research community, as well as clinicians from the cancer field.

This book seeks to unravel the mysteries of wolfberry, and systematically introduces its mechanisms in preventing aging-associated diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, liver and neurodegenerative diseases. Wolfberry, the dried fruit of Lycium barbarum, is an anti-aging herbal medicine. There have been numerous reports investigating the underlying mechanisms of its anti-aging effects and its role in preventing pathological changes in many aging-associated diseases. Its holistic effects on the body can attenuate liver toxicity and combat the spread of cancer; it also prevents degeneration in the central nervous system, and can even positively affect the skin. As such, wolfberry has become a very popular food supplement around the world. This book will serve as an excellent reference source for researchers and graduate students studying herbal medicine and aging-associated diseases, while also providing insights for the pharmaceutical industry with regard to developing potential drugs for these diseases.

The emergence of H5N1 avian influenza in 1997 and of the influenza A H1N1 of swine origin in 2009 calls for new, rapid and sustainable solutions for both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses. During the last ten years, science and technology have made enormous progress, and we are now able to monitor in real time the genetics of viruses while they spread globally, to make more powerful vaccines using novel adjuvants, and to generate viruses in the laboratory using reverse genetics. This volume not only provides state-of-the-art information on the biology of influenza viruses and on influenza vaccines, but is also designed to be a resource to face the present H1N1 pandemic and to plan for long-term global and sustainable solutions.

This comprehensive volume provides current state of the art of the use of corticosteroids in the pediatric patient. It consists of 14 chapters written by leading authors from different countries. The first chapters cover historical notes, general concepts on treatment with corticosteroids with regard to indications and side effects, and basic pharmacologic properties of these compounds. The rest of the book is devoted to the specific use of steroids in the different pediatric subspecialties. Despite advances with newer effective immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids still remain the mainstay of therapy for many disorders. Leading authors in their field have summarized these concepts to provide an authoritative, comprehensive guide to help clinicians safely and effectively use corticosteroids in their pediatric patients.

This handbook provides key information on the clinical use of nutraceuticals, an increasingly common practice grounded in an understanding of the pharmacological activities of natural compounds and clinical evidence of efficacy and safety. Each chapter examines the effects of nutraceuticals in different therapeutic contexts, including nutraceuticals active on the digestive system, heart, lipid and glucose metabolism, and immune system. The authors also address relevant concerns such as relative and absolute contraindications, range of tested doses (efficacious and safe), possible side effects and pharmacological interactions, and the scientific level of clinical evidence for each product. Despite the availability of a large number of nutraceuticals on the market, the same compound is often offered by different industries at different dosages and concentrations, with different titration and often with different suggestions of efficacy. Available academic books on nutraceuticals prioritize summarizing information or focus on the pharmacological aspects on cells or animals models rather than on proof in humans. The handbook takes a unique and practical approach intended to assist clinicians, pharmacologists, nutritionists, and dietitians considering prescribing nutraceuticals for therapeutic use. Renowned expert Professor Arrigo Cicero is known internationally for his work in nutraceuticals, and currently serves as President of the Italian Nutraceutical Society.

This accessible book examines poisoning in various contexts of international conflict. It explores the modern-day use of poison in warfare, terrorism, assassination, mass suicide, serial poisoning within healthcare, and as capital punishment. It examines a broad range of international cases from the Americas, Europe, Japan, India and more in relation to Situational Crime Prevention and its theoretical precursors, in order to explore potential prevention strategies and the ways in which perpetrators circumvent them. Case studies include analysis of attempts on the lives of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, the Tokyo subway attacks, the crimes of Dr. Harold Shipman and the Heaven's Gate and Jonestown cults. For each, the means, motive, opportunity, location, and perpetrator-victim relationship is examined. This accessible book speaks to students of criminology and those interested in penology, careers in criminal justice, homicide detectives, anti-terrorism personnel, forensic pathologists and toxicologists.

This topical volume provides an overview of clinically relevant data on anticancer agents. It is not only intended medical doctors working with cancer patients, and for medical researchers and students. The different classes of anticancer drugs are described by international authorities on the various topics. Apart from new targets for anticancer agents, attention is also focused on improving efficacy and tolerability of existing compounds.

This book is intended as a scientific resource for cannabinoid researchers carrying out animal and human experiments, and for those who are interested in learning about future directions in cannabinoid research. Additionally, this book may be of value to investigators currently working outside the field of cannabinoid research who have an interest in learning about these compounds and their atypical cannabinoid signalling. This book provides insight into the potential medical application of cannabinoids and their therapeutic development for the treatment of human disease.

Currently, few drugs are available for the effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent advances in neuroscience research offer hope that future strategies for treating these brain disorders will include neurogenesis and neuroenhancement as therapeutic endpoints. This volume reviews cutting-edge findings related to the pharmacological aspects of neurogenesis and neuroprotection. A broad range of topics are covered from basic lab bench research to drug discovery efforts and important clinical issues. This collection of reviews is a perfect way to become acquainted with these exciting new fields in the space of a single volume. Chapters are written with a general audience in mind, but with enough high-level discussion to appeal to specialists and experts as well. The authors have done an excellent job of challenging current paradigms and pushing the boundaries of exploration in keeping with the pioneering spirit that gave rise to these emerging areas of research. Consequently, this will be an indispensable resource for many years to come.
* Provides state-of-the-art reviews spanning significant emerging fields
* Discusses future directions and questions for future studies
* Includes informative illustrations
*

Over the past decade, major advancements in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension occurred in parallel with the discovery and development of new therapies. Pharmacological agents that modulate the main pathophysiological pathways of pulmonary arterial hypertension have changed the course of this devastating disease by relieving symptoms and improving and prolonging patients lives.

The first part of the book covers definition, classification, pathophysiology, pathology, biomarkers and animal models of pulmonary hypertension, thus laying the conceptual basis for what follows. The middle section provides an overview of the established therapies, such as calcium channel blockers, prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and inhaled nitric oxide. The concluding section explores novel pathways and emerging therapeutic approaches including soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, Rho-kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of serotonin receptors and transporters, peptide growth factors, vasoactive peptides, modulators of redox equilibrium and cyclic nucleotides homeostasis, as well as immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative agents. Particular attention is given to clinical applications of these experimental therapies. "

In this fast moving field the main goal of this volume is to provide up-to-date information on the molecular and functional properties and pharmacology of mammalian TRP channels. Leading experts in the field describe properties of a single TRP protein/channel or portray more general principles of TRP function and important pathological situations linked to mutations of TRP genes or their altered expression. Thereby this volume on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels provides valuable information for readers with different expectations and backgrounds, for those who are approaching this field of research as well as for those wanting to make a trip to TRPs."

A crucial issue for antiviral therapy is the fact that all antiviral substances rapidly select for resistance; thus, monitoring and overcoming resistance has become a most important clinical paradigm of antiviral therapy. This calls for cautious use of antiviral drugs and implementation of combination therapies. In parallel, efforts in drug discovery have to be continued to develop compounds with novel mode-of-action and activity against resistant strains. This book reviews the current status of antiviral therapy, from the roads to development of new compounds to their clinical use and cost effectiveness. Individual chapters address in more detail all available drug classes and outline new approaches currently under development.

Therapeutic regimens for visceral leishmaniasis (also Kala-azar, Dum-dum fever or black fever), caused by parasitic protozoa of the Leishmania genus, evolve at a pace never seen before. Spread by tiny and abundant sand flies, the parasite infects internal organs and bone marrow and if left untreated will almost always result in the death of the host. In developing countries successful diagnosis and treatment are complicated by asymptomatic cases, undernutrition and Kala-azar/HIV co-infections.

This book brings together world-renown experts writing state-of-arts review on the progress in diagnosis and treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, ultimately leading to the complete elimination of this fatal disease from South Asia. The chapters provide valuable information for disease control as well as therapy and the diagnostic improvements necessary for early treatment, subclinical detection and drug-resistant cases. The presented methods allow for points-of-care testing in the endemic area, enabling rapid detection in resource-poor settings with easy handling and low costs.

This book provides essential information for scientists, medical practitioners and policy makers involved in the diagnosis, treatment and elimination of Kala-azar.

The aquaporin field has matured at an exceptionally fast pace and we are at the verge to develop serious strategies to therapeutically modulate aquaporin function directly or via regulatory networks. Key prerequisites are available today: i. a considerable (and growing) number of aquaporin crystal structures for the rational design of inhibitory molecules, ii. elaborate molecular dynamics simulation techniques for theoretical analyses of selectivity mechanisms and docking experiments, iii. comprehensive data on aquaporin immunohistochemistry, iv. aquaporin knockout animals for physiological studies, and v. assay systems for compound library screenings. The structure of this volume on aquaporins follows the points laid out above and thus covers the developments from basic research to potential pharmacological use. Situated between pharmacology textbooks and recent scientific papers this book provides a timely overview for readers from the fundamental as well as the applied disciplines.

The first professional reference on this highly relevant topic, for drug developers, pharmacologists and toxicologists. The authors provide more than a systematic overview of computational tools and knowledge bases for drug metabolism research and their underlying principles. They aim to convey their expert knowledge distilled from many years of experience in the field. In addition to the fundamentals, computational approaches and their applications, this volume provides expert accounts of the latest experimental methods for investigating drug metabolism in four dedicated chapters. The authors discuss the most important caveats and common errors to consider when working with experimental data. Collating the knowledge gained over the past decade, this practice-oriented guide presents methods not only used in drug development, but also in the development and toxicological assessment of cosmetics, functional foods, agrochemicals, and additives for consumer goods, making it an invaluable reference in a variety of disciplines.

Tamoxifen is a pioneering medicine for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. It is the first drug targeted therapy in cancer to be successful. Tamoxifen targets the tumor estrogen receptor. The therapy is known to have saved the lives of millions of women over the past 40 years. This monograph, written by V. Craig Jordan - known as the "father of tamoxifen" - and his Tamoxifen Team at the Georgetown University Washington DC, illustrates the journey of this milestone in medicine. It includes a personal interview with V. Craig Jordan about his four decades of discovery in breast cancer research and treatment. V. Craig Jordan was there for the birth of tamoxifen as he is credited for reinventing a "failed morning after contraceptive" to become the "gold standard" for the treatment of breast cancer. He contributed to every aspect of tamoxifen application in therapeutics and all aspects of tamoxifen's pharmacology. He discovered the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and explored the new biology of estrogen-induced apoptosis.

This volume describes the mechanisms which bacteria have created to secure their survival, proliferation and dissemination by subverting the actin cytoskeleton of host cells. Bacteria have developed a veritable arsenal of toxins, effector proteins and virulence factors that allow them to modify the properties of the intracellular actin cytoskeleton for their own purposes. Bacterial factors either modify actin directly as the main component of this part of the cytoskeleton or functionally subvert regulatory or signalling proteins terminating at the actin cytoskeleton. In short, this volume provides an overview of the various tricks bacteria have evolved to "act on actin" in order to hijack this essential host cell component for their own needs. As such, it will be of interest to scientists from many fields, as well as clinicians whose work involves infectious diseases.

The field of pharmacogenomics arose to develop personalized medicine, or medicine that deals with the complexity of the human body. In this book, leading experts present methodical, state-of-the-art contributions covering topics from individual molecules to systemic diseases, examining both fundamental concepts and advanced technologies. The volume begins by exploring cutting-edge technologies used to pursue systems-based pharmacogenomics, followed by extensive chapters on gene-drug interactions and the use of pharmacogenomics in therapeutics of diseases. This book is ideal for scientists striving to transform disease treatment into disease prevention.

In this book we present recent studies that have been carried out on some widely used medicinal plants. The need for new and alternative treatments stem from the lack of efficiency of existing remedies for certain illnesses. We have compiled information that may be useful to researchers in their quest to develop new drugs.

Alkaloids are a major group of natural products derived from a wide variety of organisms, which are used as medicinal and biological agents. This series is world-renowned as the leading compilation of current reviews of this vast field.
Internationally acclaimed for more than forty years, The Alkaloids, founded by the late Professor R.H.F. Manske, continues to provide outstanding coverage of the rapidly expanding field of the chemotaxonomy, structure elucidation, synthesis, biosynthesis, and biology of all classes of alkaloids from higher and lower plants, marine organisms, or various terrestrial animals. Each volume provides, through its distinguished authors, up-to-date and detailed coverage of particular classes or sources of alkaloids. Over the years, this series has become the standard in natural product chemistry to which all other book series aspire. The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology endures as an essential reference for all natural product chemists and biologists who have an interest in alkaloids, their diversity, and their unique biological profile.
* * Indispensable reference work written by leading experts in the field
* * Provides up-to-date, timely reviews on compounds and classes of great interest
* * Covers synthesis, biosynthesis, biology, as well as isolation and structure elucidation
* * An essential research tool for anyone working with alkaloids from a chemical or biological perspective

It is now well established that all living systems emit a weak but permanent photon flux in the visible and ultraviolet range. This biophoton emission is correlated with many, if not all, biological and physiological functions. There are indications of a hitherto-overlooked information channel within the living system. Biophotons may trigger chemical reactivity in cells, growth control, differentiation and intercellular communication, i.e. biological rhythms. The basic experimental and theoretical framework as well as the technical problems and the wide field of applications in the biotechnical, biomedical engineering, engineering, medicine, pharmacology, environmental science and basic science fields are presented in this book. To promote the dialog and mutual penetration between biophoton research and photon technology is one of the important goals for the International Conference on Biophotons & Biophotonics 2003, and is developed and presented in Biophotonics: Optical Science and Engineering in the 21st Century.

Endotoxins are potentially toxic compounds produced by Gram-negative bacteria including some pathogens. Unlike exotoxins, which are secreted in soluble form by live bacteria, endotoxins are comprised of structural components of bacteria. Endotoxins can cause a whole-body inflammatory state, sepsis, leading to low blood pressure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and death. This book brings together contributions from researchers in the forefront of these subjects. It is divided into two sections: the first dealing with how endotoxins are synthesized and end up on the bacterial surface. The second discussed how endotoxins activate the Toll-like receptor TLR4 and, in turn, how TLR4 generates the molecular signals leading to infectious and inflammatory diseases. The way endotoxins interact with the host cells is fundamental to understanding the mechanism of sepsis, and recent research on these aspects of endotoxins has served to illuminate previously undescribed functions of the innate immune system. This volume presents a description of endotoxins according to their genetic constitution, structure, function and mode of interaction with host cells.